An Aldi Scotland Warehouse Operations Manager from Edinburgh is celebrating an incredible milestone as he marks three decades with the popular retailer.
Dave McKendry, 55, began his Aldi career in 1996 as a Store Manager in Musselburgh, never imagining that what started as a short-term role would become a lifelong career. Over the next 19 years, Dave extended his support to stores in Dunfermline, Stirling, Falkirk and Polmont, often leading and developing teams across multiple locations.
In 2014, he joined the retailer’s Grand Openings team, where he played a major role in Aldi’s expansion throughout Scotland. 30 years ago, Aldi had just a handful of stores in Scotland, today the number is 112. Dave said: “I was involved in a great deal of our store openings and reopenings during that time. Being part of Aldi’s expansion across Scotland and introducing the concept to new communities was a huge source of pride, knowing we were becoming part of people’s everyday lives.”
In August 2017, Dave took on a new challenge as Warehouse Operations Manager at the Bathgate distribution centre, a role he has now held for more than nine years. Dave continued: “The role was completely different to anything I had done before, and that’s exactly why I snapped up the opportunity. Hard work has always been a part of who I am, and this role really tapped into that. My management style has evolved too, and I have a real understanding that the right support enables people to perform at their best.
During Dave’s time in the Bathgate warehouse, Aldi’s operations have undergone significant changes, including technology updates and the expansion of its facilities. Despite this, one thing has remained constant. “Software and systems evolve, but the dedication and commitment of the team has never changed”, Dave said.
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Beyond operations, Dave has been a key driving force behind Aldi’s highly successful community engagement initiatives. He has led multiple fundraising campaigns and has been instrumental in helping raise over £20,000 for Aldi’s charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, earning him a company award for his efforts. He said: “I’m incredibly proud of the work we have done with Teenage Cancer Trust and really do believe that supporting communities is just as important as supporting stores.”
On a personal note, Dave added: “My kids and grandkids have only ever known me working at Aldi and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I suppose I have grown as Aldi has grown. Working in discount retail my entire adult life has shown me how much every penny matters to customers, and I am proud to play a part in supporting communities across Scotland.”
Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Without the hard work and dedication of all of our colleagues, we wouldn’t be able to provide customers with the excellent and efficient service we’ve become known for. Colleagues like Dave are the cornerstone of our business and I would like to thank him for his continued dedication throughout the last 30 years.”
